Hemodynamic Effects of Magnesium Sulfate in Eclampsia

Abstract

MgS04 was administered i.v. in 2 patients with eclampsia the first having also a pulmonary oedema. Hemodynamic studies with SWAN GANZ catheter and thermodilution technic were performed before and 30, 60 and 120 mn after the beginning of MgS04 administrztion. The decrease in blood pressure was associated with a decrease of the initially increased cardiac output but not with a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. The vasodilating effect of MgS04 was thus masked by the decrease in cardiac output. Since the wedge pressure did not increase, and the systolic pulmonary pressure decreased, whereas the cumulative water balance did not significantly decrease, the decrease in cardiac output seems to be due to an increase in venous compliance.